bull terrier,breed of dog developed in 19th-century England from the bulldogand , the white English terrier , (a breed now extinct), and the Dalmatian; other breeds including the Spanish pointerwas later bred into the line to increase its size, foxhound, and greyhound may also have been incorporated.

The bull terrier was developed for the dog-fighting pits as a courageous fighting dog fighter but not an aggressive fight provoker. A muscular dog, it has a short coat, ; tapering tail, ; erect ears, and ; small, triangular, deep-set eyes; and a distinctive egg-shaped, or convex, head. It stands 48 21 to 22 inches (53 to 56 cm(19 to 22 inches) and weighs , ideally, about about 50 to 60 pounds (23 to 27 kg(50 to 60 pounds). It is generally friendly and is considered, for its weight, the strongest of all dogs. There are two varieties of bull terrier: coloured, which is any colour but white, and white, which is ). The miniature bull terrier, recognized as a separate breed, stands 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 cm) and weighs 24 to 33 pounds (11 to 15 kg). In both sizes the coat may be coloured—i.e., any colour but white, including brindle; or white—i.e., all white or white with darker head markings. The bull terrier is active, loyal, and playful—even clownish—and is considered for its weight one of the strongest of all dogs.

See the Table table of Selected Breeds selected breeds of Terriers terriers for further information. ( For the breed formerly known as the American pit bull terrier, seeAmerican Staffordshire terrier.)